Sewage Cleanup and Restoration
Sewage cleanup can be a messy and expensive process. It can also quickly turn into a hazard for health and safety. Sewage is often smelly and cannot be cleaned with hot water. It must be disposed of properly and sealed up to prevent cross contamination. Sewage damage restoration is best performed by a trained professional using special equipment.
Symptoms
Sewage damage restoration professionals can help homeowners avoid major damages from this type of problem. It is crucial to check your sewage pipes regularly for blockages. These clogs are easy to clear with a plunger, liquid drain cleaner, or auger. If you find a large pipe blockage, however, you should contact a sewage damage specialist.
First, the affected area must be dry. To dry the wet area, use a wet vacuum. Renting cleaning equipment can also help you dry the affected area quickly. You can also use a bleach and water mixture to sanitize the floors and carpeting. You should leave the mixture on the affected area for twenty minutes to allow it to air dry completely. Next, make sure you get rid of any carpeting that has absorbed the wastewater.
Costs
Sewage damage restoration can be costly. Sewage can sit for a long time and seep into the walls, floor and carpets. If not caught in time, it can cause widespread damage and require costly repairs. Sewage cleanup costs can range anywhere from $7 to $14 per square foot, and total remediation costs can run up to ten thousand dollars. Sewage cleanup and restoration costs are usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance, though some companies will sell sewer line add-ons to standard policies. These add-ons cover sewer line replacement, but they don’t cover the damage to personal items.
Sewage damage is often more expensive than water damage because it comes from a contaminated source. The water from a sewer line can contain dangerous bacteria. The average cost of cleanup and restoration for black water damage is $7.25 per square foot, and the first four stages alone can cost several thousand dollars. In addition to cleaning and repairing infected items, affected areas need to be torn down and aired.
Precautions
Sewage damage restoration requires a unique set of techniques. Because of the pathogenic bacteria and other elements that are contained in this liquid, cleanup and restoration should be handled with great care. If the sewage is not immediately removed from the structure, it can linger for weeks or even months, causing serious health risks for the occupants. Fortunately, advanced restoration methods can completely eliminate any traces of the sewage and make the building safe for occupancy.
The first step in any sewage damage restoration project is to clean up the water that has already been spilled. The sewage should be removed and the plumbing and electrical systems should be checked. Professionals can perform these services to properly sanitize the property and restore the home. The cleanup process may also require mold removal and mitigation. If this occurs, the process can be complicated and expensive. However, your insurance provider may cover the cost of hiring a professional company to help you with the restoration process.
Classification of sewage damage
Sewage damage restoration services are often necessary after a sewage backup, sewer overflow, or other source of water intrusion. The process to restore such areas can be costly and time-consuming. Sewage water contains a number of contaminants, including pathogens and chemicals that can be dangerous to property occupants. Sewage is considered Category 3 water damage. The most common source of this water is a sewer system, although it can also be the result of flooding or other natural events.
Sewage damage restoration companies are specially trained to handle this specialized type of water damage. They adhere to the IICRC S500 Standard of Care, which is the standard of care for sewage damage cleanup. The water in sewage is classified as Category 3 because of its potentially harmful and pathogenic agents, making cleanup more difficult.
